THE longer the ASADA investigation into the Sharks, and almost certainly several other clubs, drags on and on, the more the focus on on the absolute paucity of quality and competent administrators in the greatest game of all.

THE deal the rugby league world has been waiting for has been completed and North Queensland Toyota Cowboys co-captain Johnathan Thurston will remain with the club until the end of the 2017 NRL season.

A hat-trick from flying Fijian Akuila Uate helped the Newcastle Knights start their season with a bang in a 42-10 demolition of Wests Tigers in front of an appreciative 21,935 strong crowd at Hunter Stadium.

CHRIS Sandow showed his critics that he still has blistering speed as he guided the Eels to a 40-10 win over the Warriors at Parramatta Stadium in front of 13,351 fans.
The Warriors lacked punch in their attacking plays in the first half, however that quickly changed with Pita Godinet injected into the match. Godinet laid the foundation out acting half for Jacob Lillyman to crash over for their first points of the encounter. Shaun Johnson from out wide pushed the kick across the face of goal.